You’re staring at that old tub thinking, “Should I just rip this out and put in a big, beautiful shower?”
On one hand, a walk-in shower feels modern, low-maintenance, and spa-like. On the other hand, you’ve probably heard that removing your only bathtub can hurt your resale value, especially with buyers who have young kids or who love a good soak.
You’re not alone. Homeowners across the country are trying to balance today’s lifestyle with tomorrow’s resale value. In this guide, we’ll walk through what the research and real estate experts say, why one tub still matters, and how to choose the right tub style for your home.
Does Having a Bathtub Increase Resale Value?
Most experts agree: having at least one bathtub in the home is a smart move for resale.
Real estate pros often talk about the “one-tub rule” — the idea that a house should have at least one full bathroom with a tub to appeal to the broadest pool of buyers.
Industry data backs this up:
- The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) has found that a shower and tub together in the primary bath ranks among the most desired bathroom features, especially for first-time buyers.
- The National Association of Realtors (NAR) reports that some buyers simply will not consider a home without a tub, particularly young families with small children.
So while every market is different, the overall pattern is clear: Keeping at least one bathtub typically helps protect your home’s resale value and broadens your buyer appeal.
Why Buyers Still Want a Bathtub
Even as big, walk-in showers grow in popularity, there are three buyer groups who often see a tub as a must-have.
1. Families with Young Children
For parents, bathing infants and toddlers is simply easier and safer in a tub than in a shower. Many family buyers have “at least one tub” on their must-have list; eliminating the only tub in the house can knock your home out of consideration for them.
2. People Who Love to Soak and Relax
Many adults still enjoy long, relaxing baths as part of their self-care routine. In a survey cited by NAR, over a third of U.S. residents reported taking a bath at least weekly.
For these buyers, a tub isn’t just a fixture; it’s a lifestyle feature that signals comfort, relaxation, and the ability to unwind at home.
3. Buyers Thinking About Aging or Mobility
A walk-in or low-threshold tub can be attractive to buyers planning to age in place or who already have mobility concerns. While not every buyer needs a walk-in tub, for the right person, it’s a significant plus and can differentiate your home from others on the market.
Health & Wellness Benefits of a Soak
Beyond resale value, tubs can also offer real health and wellness benefits when used safely.
Research and medical sources point to several advantages of warm baths:
- Stress relief & relaxation: Soaking in warm water can help relax muscles and calm the nervous system, making it easier to unwind and de-stress.
- Improved circulation & heart health: Studies on hot water immersion show that raising core body temperature in a bath or hot tub can increase blood flow, lower blood pressure, and support cardiovascular health over time.
- Pain relief & recovery: For some people with muscle tension or chronic pain, a warm soak can provide gentle relief and support better sleep.
So while a tub is no replacement for medical care, it can be an appealing wellness feature to buyers who value relaxation and recovery at home.
What Kind of Tub Matters for Resale?
The good news is that there’s no single “right” tub. Most buyers simply want at least one functional, comfortable tub in the home. From there, it’s about matching your space and style.
Here are some popular options:
Soaking Tub
A deep soaking tub is designed for comfort and relaxation. It doesn’t need jets or complicated features, just enough depth to immerse and unwind fully. These are popular in both primary and hall baths.
Freestanding Tub
Freestanding tubs are very on-trend and can become a focal point in the bathroom. They work exceptionally well in larger primary bathrooms and can give your space a higher-end, spa-like feel that appeals to design-conscious buyers.
Alcove or Shower-Tub Combo
This is the classic tub with a showerhead above, often set between three walls. It’s practical, space-efficient, and familiar to most buyers, especially in hall baths or kids’ baths.
Walk-In Tub
Walk-in tubs with a door and built-in seating are designed for accessibility and safety. For older buyers or those with mobility challenges, they can be a strong selling point, particularly in homes marketed for aging in place.
When a Shower-Only Bathroom Can Still Make Sense
There are situations where converting a tub to a walk-in shower is a smart move:
- Your home already has another full bathroom with a tub, so you’re not eliminating tubs entirely.
- You’re in a market or price range where luxury showers are highly valued, and most buyers expect at least one large, upgraded shower.
- You’re planning to stay in your home for many years, and your own comfort and accessibility are your top priorities.
In those cases, a well-designed shower conversion, especially if another tub remains elsewhere in the home, can improve both your daily life and your home’s appeal.
How to Decide What’s Right for Your Home
If you’re on the fence, here are a few questions to ask:
- Do we still have at least one tub in the house?
If the answer is no, think carefully before removing your only bathtub. - Who’s most likely to buy our home next?
Families with young kids, multigenerational households, or buyers focused on wellness are more likely to value a tub. - How long do we plan to stay?
If you’re staying 10+ years, prioritize your own comfort first, but try to keep one tub in a secondary bath if you can. - Is our bathroom layout flexible?
Some homeowners choose a tub-shower combo in one bath and a large walk-in shower in another, giving buyers the best of both worlds.
The Bottom Line: One Tub = One More Selling Advantage
Styles and trends change, from soaking tubs to freestanding tubs to walk-in tubs, but one thing hasn’t: Having at least one bathtub in your home usually gives you a resale advantage.
A tub broadens your buyer pool, appeals to families and soakers alike, and adds a wellness and comfort angle that many people still care deeply about when they picture their “dream home.”
If you’re considering updating your bathroom, you don’t have to choose between what you love now and what buyers want later. With the right plan, you can enjoy your new space and keep your home attractive to future buyers.
At Joyce, our bathroom remodeling experts can walk you through that decision with confidence. We’ll look at how you actually use your space, evaluate your home’s layout and resale goals, and talk through options like keeping a traditional tub, converting to a low-threshold shower, or choosing a tub-shower combo. Our team can help you balance accessibility, style, and long-term value so you end up with a bathroom that works for your life today and still makes sense when it’s time to sell.
